Full Breakdown
Michigan Rabbis Issue “Nonnegotiable” Demands Ahead of Senate Race
9/10/2026, 9:18:55 AM
Core Event
A coalition of Michigan rabbis and Jewish community leaders has circulated an open letter titled “Nonnegotiable Michigan.” The letter outlines five conditions Democratic candidates must meet to earn the support of Jewish voters in the state’s U.S. Senate contest. The demands focus on Jewish safety, the right to define Jewish identity, Israeli sovereignty, full participation of Jews in American political life, and a vision for a better Middle-East future. The initiative is backed by Zioness Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) linked to the progressive Zionist organization Zioness. While the letter does not name any candidate, it is widely understood to be directed at Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, whose record on Israel has sparked controversy among Michigan’s Jewish electorate.
Background & Context
Michigan’s Jewish population is estimated at roughly 100,000, making it a potentially decisive bloc in a competitive Senate race. Earlier in the campaign, El-Sayed, a self-described progressive, questioned Israel’s future as a Jewish state and faced backlash after commenting on the March attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, saying “hurt people hurt people.” He later issued a partial apology. The “Nonnegotiable” letter follows a pattern of recent political engagement by Jewish clergy, including a prior statewide petition opposing “rising anti-Zionism” during New York City mayoral elections.
Key Figures & Groups
- Rabbi Aaron Starr – President of the Michigan Board of Rabbis and co-author of the letter.
- Rabbi Josh Whinston – Reform rabbi at Temple Beth Emeth, co-sponsor.
- Rabbi Asher Lopatin – Lifelong Democrat who backs Republican nominee Mike Rogers.
- Dana Nessel – Michigan Attorney General, Jewish, who urged Jewish Democrats to prioritize “the needs of the world.”
- Zioness Action Fund – Advocacy group supporting the progressive Zionist stance.
Data & Statistics
- Initial signatories: 16 Reform and Conservative rabbis and cantors.
- A separate petition supporting Republican Mike Rogers has been signed by more than 400 Michigan Jews.
Official Statements & Responses
The letter stresses that “support is earned, not owed,” and invites any candidate to “engage, listen, learn, and grow.”
El-Sayed’s campaign plans to hire a Jewish liaison and told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that “safety” is the top concern he hears from Jewish voters. He has not changed his position on a two-state solution that explicitly recognizes Jewish sovereignty, though he indicated openness to a joint Israeli-Palestinian agreement.
Criticism & Opposition
Rabbi Asher Lopatin and a coalition of over 400 Michigan Jews have called for a vote for Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, arguing that Democrats must reject candidates perceived as hostile to Israel and Jewish security. Their petition explicitly rejects El-Sayed’s stance on Israel and urges voters to withhold support from any candidate who does not unequivocally condemn threats to Jewish safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We realized we were all having this same experience of our members coming to us and saying, ‘Rabbi, what should I do?’” — Rabbi Aaron Starr
What’s Next
The “Nonnegotiable” demands will be presented to candidates as the November Senate election approaches. Both parties have been asked to respond publicly to the five conditions before voters head to the polls.
